Suicide Prevention and Community Support: Why You Must Check on Your Friends

After losing her son Jake to suicide, Jeannie transformed her grief into action by creating the “Check on Your Friends” movement. What started as a memorial within the car drifting community has become an international suicide prevention effort, spreading awareness through events, bumper stickers, and direct financial and emotional support for those in need.

In this episode, Jeannie shares how small reminders like stickers and simple gestures of connection can save lives. She also explains how her community now funds therapy, rent, groceries, and other needs for people struggling with depression, turning tragedy into hope. This is a conversation about love, resilience, and the power of showing up for one another.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How the “Check on Your Friends” movement began after Jake’s passing
• The role of car culture in raising awareness and building support networks
• The global reach of simple reminders like bumper stickers and hashtags
• Direct financial and emotional support for struggling individuals
• The hope contagion: how sharing stories of survival and support spreads light
• Why unconditional love and less judgment create stronger safety nets

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and hosts
 01:00 – Remembering Jake and his early struggles with depression
 02:00 – How the car drifting community rallied after Jake’s death
 03:50 – The birth of “Check on Your Friends” and Rio Bash events
 04:40 – The power of bumper stickers and global outreach
 06:30 – Spreading hope through unexpected reminders
 07:10 – Using funds to support mental health needs directly
 09:00 – The importance of community-driven support systems
 10:40 – Suicide contagion vs. hope contagion
 12:00 – Jeannie’s role as a safe listener and guide to resources
 13:40 – The importance of unconditional love and connection
 15:00 – Honoring Jake through acts of support and kindness
 16:20 – Reflections on Jeannie’s resilience and message of hope
 19:30 – Final reminders: you are worthy, loved, and deserving of support

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